Environmental Nutrition: Keep Your Cool in the Kitchen

Put these cooling ingredients into your next meal and escape the heat.
Environmental Nutrition: Keep Your Cool in the Kitchen
Read up on ingredients, such as cucumber and basil, that may help beat late summer heat. Dreamstime/TCA
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Certain ingredients (mostly herbs and spices) have naturally cooling effects on the body, and incorporating them into meals and snacks can help support hydration, digestion, and temperature regulation. Isn’t that cool? (Pun intended). Here’s a look at a few of our favorites.

Mint. Perhaps the best-known cooling herb, mint contains menthol, a compound that activates cold-sensitive receptors in the skin and mouth, creating a refreshing, cooling sensation. Mint can be added to water or iced tea, blended into smoothies, or chopped into yogurt as a dip or sauce.

UHN Staff, Environmental Nutrition
UHN Staff, Environmental Nutrition
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